LAURENS COUNTY, S.C. — Someone concerned about the health of a puppy they bought in South Carolina led deputies to a puppy mill where more than 270 animals were being kept in deplorable conditions, Laurens County Sheriff Don Reynolds said, according to WLOS
The animals were stacked in cages on top of each other, covered in urine and feces. There were about 150 dogs — mostly Chihuahuas — and a large number of chickens as well as some ducks and rabbits at the Ware Shoals property, said Kim Sanders, director of the Anderson County PAWS animal shelter.
“This was truly a devastating scene of cruelty,” the sheriff posted on Facebook.
Deputies got a tip on Jan. 14 and went to the home in Ware Shoals on. The tipster said they bought a puppy from the residence and it was in bad health.
The animals are being evaluated.
Barbara Anne Timms, 70 , and Barry Leon Davis, 46, were both charged Tuesday with two counts of ill treatment of animals.
The scene was appalling to deputies, who had to get a warrant before the homeowners would allow them on their land, Reynolds said.
“The ammonia smell last night when we got there was so incredible that I don’t know how those animals were standing it,” Reynolds said.
The animals are getting veterinary help before they can be placed in shelters. The legal case against Timms and Davis will have to be settled before the animals can be put up for adoption, Sanders said.
The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the criminal aspect of this case and more charges are pending.